Chiefs Fall To Stellies In Home Defeat

Kaizer Chiefs suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch in their Betway Premiership encounter at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.

Chiefs took the lead in the first half through Flavio Da Silva, putting the hosts in control before the break. However, Stellies responded strongly in the second half, with Langelihle Phili equalising before Devin Titus scored the winner to complete the comeback.

With this result, Chiefs remain in fourth place in the standings with 30 points.

Both Chiefs and Stellies came into this encounter licking their wounds after suffering cup eliminations. Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef’s side were knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup by Zamalek, while Gavin Hunt’s side was eliminated by Golden Arrows in the Nedbank Cup.

In the league, Chiefs had last been in action in January, when they secured a victory over Marumo Gallants. Stellies, on the other hand, recently played out a 1-1 draw against Magesi.

This fixture marked the third meeting between the two sides this season. Chiefs won the earlier league encounter, but in the Carling Knockout and the Nedbank Cup, Stellies managed to eliminate the Phefeni Glamour Boys.

Tuesday’s clash began at a lively pace, with Amakhosi creating numerous chances in the opening 20 minutes. The Phefeni Glamour Boys thought they had taken the lead in the ninth minute when Ashley Du Preez found the back of the net, only for the assistant referee to rule the goal out for offside.

In the 27th minute, Stellies nearly broke the deadlock when Ashley Cupido unleashed a right-footed shot from outside the box, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.

Three minutes later, Paseka Mako delivered an excellent pass to Du Preez, who rounded goalkeeper Sage Stephens. However, the former Stellies forward squandered the chance, dragging his right-footed shot from the centre of the box wide to the left.

Chiefs eventually made their pressure count in the 36th minute when Flavio Da Silva scored from very close range to hand them a 1-0 lead. Amakhosi continued to press forward in search of a second goal, but despite their sustained efforts, they were unable to add to their tally as the first half ended 1-0 in their favour.

The second half began at a lively tempo, with both teams looking sharp and creating numerous chances in the opening 15 minutes.

However, it was Stellenbosch who found the breakthrough, drawing level in the 50th minute when Langelihle Phili fired a left-footed shot from very close range into the net after being set up by Devin Titus.

Chiefs responded with intent and nearly restored their advantage in the 58th minute, but Dillan Solomon’s left-footed effort from the centre of the box was well saved by Sage Stephens.

Stellenbosch threatened again in the 68th minute when Titus unleashed a right-footed shot from long range on the right side, only for Brandon Peterson to make an important save.

Amakhosi continued to push forward and created another opportunity in the 75th minute, as Mduduzi Shabalala’s right-footed strike from the centre of the box, assisted by Wandile Duba, was denied by Stephens.

Chiefs pressed once more in the final five minutes, but Lebohang Maboe’s right-footed attempt from outside the box, set up by Shabalala, drifted wide to the right.

Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Stellenbosch struck on the stroke of full-time. Titus found the back of the net with a right-footed shot from the left side, sealing a dramatic victory for the Cape Winelands side.

Following the defeat, Amakhosi will now turn their attention to a highly anticipated Soweto Derby clash against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday.